First Killing Frost

Trouble sleeping. After sunset I walk in the woods where stars sparkle above soaring oak and hickories.          What’s that noise? An armadillo, bear or ghost? I’m nervous in the dark …

Biscuits & Gravy with Screaming Pope

This day of remembrance recalls twelve years ago when  the Ozarks suffered a derecho. This squally system with dozens of tornadoes toppled millions of trees, smashed property, totaled our car …

Earth Day at the Homeless Shelter

A freak blizzard early this week has meant snowmen coexisting with redbud trees in full bloom. The cold front probably nipped Ozark fruit and spring soirees. This photo is a …

Surprised by This Spring

Has anyone else wept for the blooming jonquils or the ten people shot in Colorado a few days ago? They take my breath away as I drive into Arkansas: random …

Another Capitol Demonstration

Did some hiking in Shannon County to escape bad news. Seeing the January 6 scenes of destruction of our Capitol in Washington caused eerie deja vu. Fifty years ago I …

Monuments New, Old and Possible

The last few days I’ve been finishing a book review for the oral history journal, a collection of essays History, Memory and Public Life, Routledge 2018. Potentially tedious because it’s somewhat …

Free Solo with Terry du Bose

I saw a great documentary recently about a young guy who climbs giant rock formations without ropes. Why would anyone take such risks? Having done a fair amount of rock …

Empathetic Incidence On the Campaign Trail

Abortion is one of the most contentious issues in contemporary campaigns. Here’s my feelings from August ’18 door knocking, a demanding activity that can dramatically help candidates. Yesterday afternoon I had …